DiploNews – Issue 141 – 1 July 2009
Malta, Mexico and Switzerland Cooperate for Online Diplomatic Training
On June 25, Malta, Mexico, and Switzerland signed a Memorandum of Understanding to initiate cooperation in online diplomatic training. The three countries plan to work together in developing and delivering online courses for diplomats and others involved in managing global issues. The signing ceremony was hosted by the Swiss Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva. At the core of this tripartite initiative is Diplo’s online training methodology and platform. With more than 1000 alumni worldwide, Diplo has demonstrated that high quality diplomatic training and education can be provided online. The new partnership will bring immediate results. To address the need for skills and knowledge in the field of disarmament, Mexico’s Matias Romero Institute and Diplo plan to cooperate in delivering a post-graduate level online course on international security and disarmament. New courses on migration and health diplomacy are also planned for the forthcoming period. To read more about this event, to see the Memorandum of Understanding, and to view photos of the event, please visit Diplo’s Events page.
Upcoming Study Opportunities with Diplo
Summer Study
Places are still available in our three summer courses starting 27 July:
- Diplomatic Law: Privileges and Immunities
- 21st Century Diplomacy
- Multilateral Diplomacy
These courses are available as Diplo Certificate Courses. For further information or an application form, click on the titles of the courses above, or visit our courses website. Apply right away while places are still available!
Autumn Courses
You are invited to apply for the following courses beginning the week of 12 October 2009:
- Development Diplomacy
- International Trade Relations and Diplomacy
- Language and Diplomacy
These courses are available as University of Malta Accredited Courses (application deadline 10 August) and as Diplo Certificate Courses (application deadline 7 September). For further information or to apply, click on the titles of the courses above, or visit our courses website.
Climate Change Diplomacy
This online course will equip participants to represent and promote the interests of their own countries in the global climate change policy process. In addition, the course will broaden participants’ general understanding of climate change and the global policy response to climate change. Full scholarship support is provided by the Maltese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to diplomats, civil servants, and academics from small and developing states involved in climate change policy processes and negotiations. Please see the Diplo Climate Change Diplomacy website for further information and to apply. We are now accepting applications for the course running from 28 September – 4 December 2009. The application deadline is September 7.
2010 Master / Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy
You are invited to apply for the popular Master/Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Diplomacy, offered through the University of Malta. This blended learning programme offers a valuable opportunity for diplomats and other international relations professionals to continue studies while remaining on the job. The application deadline is 15 October. For more information and to apply please see the course webpage.
US and Venezuela Overturn persona non grata Status
According to a press release from the United States State Department, the US and Venezuela are about to resume normal diplomatic relations again by exchanging ambassadors. The relationship between Venezuela and the US deteriorated during the Bush administration. The lowest point was reached when Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, in solidarity with Bolivia, declared US Ambassador Patrick Duddy persona non grata and recalled the Venezuelan ambassador to the US in September 2008. The step was reciprocated from the American side. Under article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, declaring a diplomat persona non grata, which means declaring him or her unacceptable, can happen at any time and without an explanation.
Failed Rapprochement: Hot Dog Diplomacy
In recent weeks, a new buzz word has come to describe diplomatic relations between the United States and Iran: 'hot dog' diplomacy. The term describes the US invitation to Iranian diplomats to attend Fourth of July celebrations at the White House and US embassies. Fox News on 23 June explains it. Even though diplomatic relations between the two nations was severed in 1979, Iranian diplomats were invited to attend. However, in light of the recent events in Iran and their condemnation by US President Obama, and after much public protest, hot dog diplomacy has been cancelled; according to Foreign Policy, US Secretary of State Clinton has rescinded the open invitation.
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